Jun 9, 2009 @ 10:04
By HarlemGal
HarlemCondoLife
HarlemCondoLife was exclusively inside at the 75th anniversary celebration of The Apollo Theater where they honored the likes of Quincy Jones, Bill and Camille Crosby, and Patti Labelle.
The entire program was fabulous from start to finish. The production and local talent they featured were top notch. Chanj and Zaccheus Denwiddie were the local talent featured and all I can say is that we will be seeing these two young individuals in the years to come. No question about it.
As always, The Apollo Foundation knows how to “do it up” when it comes to entertaining their top donors. By the way, they raised more than $1 million from this event. Not bad and it’s worth it to keep this national monument/shrine going for years to come. However, HCL wants to raise awareness on how cool it is to live in Harlem and that fun, interesting things happen here everyday. And last nights gala was one of them. This is what I witnessed:
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*It was an Obamafest last night. Quincy Jones and Bill Crosby both mentioned how they believed in President Obama. Jones said he always believed in Obama. Jaime Foxx impersonated Obama and it was spot on. If Saturday Night Live needs a back up, Jaime’s the man.
*Foxx was the award presenter to Jones. During his remarks honoring Jones he morphed into Ray Charles. Remarkable is all I can say. And I saw first hand why he was given an Oscar for his role as Ray.
*Jones and Patti Labelle, who were both honored, appeared truly touched, moved and humbled by the awards that were presented to them. They both echoed themes of “never forget where you come from!” Jones said something to the effect “know where you come from so that you can get to where you want to go.” Amen!
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*Bill Crosby has not changed a bit. He was the educator every step of the way throughout his remarks. He spoke of Shirley Chisholm, a politician, educator, and author; and how she was and should be acknowledged as the trailblazer for President Obama.
*Fantasia performed Purple Rain. I guess it was a tease on what was to come for the night!
*Prince made a surprise appearance to present, along with Mariah Carey, to Labelle. Everyone was in shock to see him even the host Steve Harvey.
*Carey and Prince made it clear to the audience, they worship the ground that Labelle walks on. Mariah Carey got emotional during her remarks over Labelle.
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*Comedian and gala host Steve Harvey was hysterical! The audience seemed to enjoy his presence. I certainly did, especially when he made fun of Dick Parson and hip hop. According to Harvey, those hip hop songs sound great now, but that they won’t mean a thing when you’re 50 years old! As for Parson, he hinted at how Parson needed to work on his presentation or was it that maybe he needed a new speechwriter? Either way it was funny what he said and how he said it!
This is what I witnessed at the show. And that’s just the gala. For a recap of actual events, you can view them on twitter.
Stay tuned for a post on the gala after party! It was unbelievable!
HarlemCondoLife
HarlemCondoLife
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By HarlemGal
HarlemGal Inc. 